A first-timer's guide to Tokyo: What to do, see and eat in Japan's capital

From the vibrant food scene and buzzing nightlife to the ornate temples and rich history, Tokyo is a melting pot of everything you’d want in a holiday destination.

If you’re planning on visiting Japan’s capital for the very first time and not quite sure where to begin, here’s your guide to getting the most out of the world's most populous metropolis.

Where to stay

While New York is divided into boroughs, Tokyo is made up of 23 special wards, each with a unique personality.

One of the most well-known municipalities is Shibuya, which is often described as the “youth heart and soul” of Tokyo. The area is one of Japan’s most popular shopping and dining districts and is also a hub for Japanese fashion and nightlife.

I was recently a guest of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, a boutique hotel located within walking distance from the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, also known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

The hotel, which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, takes inspiration from Shibuya’s fashion culture with its colourful design and striking interior and pays homage to the area’s diverse music scene with a selection of vinyl records displayed in each room.

Not only did the hotel provide me with the best night’s sleep across my entire Japan trip, but their restaurant, Gallery 11, served some of the most appetising dishes I’ve ever eaten. I’d recommend the grilled Japanese beef sirloin with miso wasabi sauce, followed by the signature Gallery 11 cheesecake for dessert.

What to eat

Speaking of eating, you definitely won’t struggle trying to find somewhere amazing to dine in Tokyo as it’s known as the food capital of the world. From sushi to ramen, soba to okonomiyaki, there are so many tasty Japanese dishes you’ll want to try before your holiday is over.

During my trip, I indulged in the most delicious curry udon at Konaya Marunouchi Oazo, ate incredible gyoza at Shibuya Gyoza, and had an exciting high-tech sushi conveyor belt experience at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you must try Japan’s famous fluffy pancakes at The French Toast Factory in Akihabara.

To truly immerse yourself in Japan’s food culture, I’d also recommend doing a cooking class making either ramen or sushi. Not only is it a fun experience, but you’ll also learn how to bring a taste of Japan back home with you.

What to do

With so much to discover in Tokyo, it’s virtually impossible to get bored.

For a view of the entire cityscape, I’d suggest visiting Shibuya Sky which has a 360° open-air observation deck perfect for sunset viewing.

You'll definitely want to check out Harajuku, a bustling district in Shibuya filled with colourful street art, vintage clothing stores and adorable animal and pet cafés - including the hedgehog café, Harry. You’re also likely to spot some quirky fashion in Tokyo’s ‘kawaii’ capital and satisfy your cravings at one of the many dessert shops and carts in the area.

If you’re keen to have more of a cultural experience during your trip, Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple and the most widely visited religious site in the world. Meiji Jingu is another Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, right next to the expansive and serene Yoyogi Park.

One of my favourite activities was a walking tour from Akihabara, Tokyo’s ‘electric town’ famed for its association with anime, video games and Idol culture, to Ueno Park, best known for having Japan’s oldest zoo and many museums and art galleries. Not only did I get to see sights I might’ve missed without a guide, but I also walked away with a wealth of knowledge and interesting facts about Tokyo.

It also can’t be forgotten that Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are easily accessible from Tokyo. Both parks are guaranteed to be fun-filled days of magic and adventure, perfect for families or any children at heart.

Time to get planning!

This journalist was a guest of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya.

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